Obituary of Florence Costulas

 Florence Babiana Costulas, age 96 of Fairfield, beloved wife of 76 years to the late Peter M. Costulas, passed into eternal rest on September 9, 2023.  

Florence was born on September 1, 1927 in Woonsocket, RI., the daughter of the late George and Mary Andry Babiana. She graduated from Woonsocket High School with high honors in business and attended Hill Jr. College at night.  She was an avid reader and always valued education. She attended adult education classes in everything from accounting and business to learning how to speak French language, cooking, and cake decorating. Following her marriage in 1947, Florence was the first married woman to be employed by Mechanics and Farmers Bank as a teller and held many positions in her 15 year banking career. When her husband formed Sperco Typesetting Co., in 1960, she became the office manager. A very active and faithful member of St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church since moving to Bridgeport after her marriage, she was involved in all aspects of the church community.  She held many offices in the Ladies Auxiliary, serving as president in 1966, as well as the Orthodox Woman’s Council, Sunday School and Retirees Group. Florence was known for her organization and leadership qualities. She took on special projects including editing a successful cookbook, created the youth dance group and played a large role in the Annual Festivals. She managed the pastry booth, raffle booth and was co-chairman for several years. Florence loved to sing and dance to all types of music and, was a loyal member of the church choir into her 90s. She participated in the Macedonian dramas written by her father-in-law Michael Costulas and they spent hours together singing his songs. Years later, she took his vocal music and transcribed them for posterity. If there was ethnic music playing, she could be found on the dance floor leading the line. 

She is survived by her loving daughter, Mary Jennifer of Fairfield and goddaughter Mary Elizabeth Cipu of Southport. In addition, she will be missed by many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings Victoria B. Chiacu, Andrew Babiana, Stella P. Babiana, Silvia B. Fatse, James Babiana and Virginia Baker.   

Her Rite of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 15th at St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church, 504 Sport Hill Road, Easton with the Rev. Fr. George M. Coca officiating, followed by interment at Lakeview Cemetery. People may pay their respects at church beginning at 10:00am before the funeral service at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Dimitrie Church Endowment Fund. For travel directions, or to sign her guest register, please visit LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com

                                              MEMORY ETERNAL!